Blood tests for testicular cancer

Blood tests can check for proteins called tumour markers. These help find the stage of testicular cancer and monitor how well treatment works.

Tests for tumour markers

Many testicular cancers make particular proteins that they release into the bloodstream. The proteins are called markers. Blood tests can find these proteins. They include:

• alpha feta protein (AFP)
• human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)
• lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Doctors use the levels of these markers as part of the process to find the stage of your cancer. The stage means how big the cancer is and whether it has spread.

Preparing for your blood tests

You can eat and drink normally before most blood tests. For fasting blood tests you need to stop eating and drinking beforehand. Your doctor will tell you for how long.

What happens?

You sit or lie down to have the test.

A doctor, nurse or phlebotomist (person specialised in taking blood) chooses the best vein to use. This is usually from your arm or hand. Let them know if you are afraid of needles, get unwell with the sight of blood or are allergic to plasters or latex. 

They put a tight band (tourniquet) around your arm above the area where they take the sample. You may need to clench your fist to make it easier to find a vein.

They clean your skin and then put a small needle into your vein. Next, they attach a small bottle or syringe to the needle to draw out some blood. They might fill several small bottles.

Once they have all the samples, they release the band around your arm. They then take the needle out and put pressure on the area with a cotton wool ball or small piece of gauze for a few minutes. This helps to stop bleeding and bruising.

Look away when they’re taking the blood if you prefer. Tell your doctor, nurse or phlebotomist if you feel unwell.

Getting your results

You usually get your results within a day or so of having the test.

Possible risks of having a blood test

Blood sampling (phlebotomy) is a safe test. There is a possibility of:

• bleeding and bruising - pressing hard when the needle is removed can help to stop it
• pain - this is normally mild and can last for a few minutes
• swelling (oedema) - ask your nurse, doctor or phlebotomist to avoid an arm that is swollen or has a risk of swelling
• feeling faint or fainting - tell the person doing your blood test if you're feeling lightheaded or dizzy at any time
• infection - this is very rare